The Timeline System
A guide to Legends of the Jedi's unique cyclical storyline, structured eras, and how player actions shape the galaxy.
Understanding Our Storyline
Legends of the Jedi is an RP-enforced MUD featuring a cyclical storyline. Each storyline—commonly referred to as a Timeline—is divided into three parts called Eras. Each era centers around a major governmental shift or an intense conflict between competing factions.
To put it in familiar Star Wars terms, our three-era structure loosely mirrors:
- Era 1: Some variation of the Old Republic. This could range from a prequel setting with battle droids and clone troopers to showdowns with the Sith Empire like in the KOTOr games
- Era 2: The tried-and-true setting of the original trilogy. Expect A dominant Galactic Empire facing off against a scrappy group of rebels.
- Era 3: What comes after the fall of the Empire? Frequently, it's a New Republic. This era explores the Sequel Trilogies while also taking cues from the Star Wars Legends books of yore.
Are All Timelines the Same?
Not at all. While many timelines follow a familiar arc, no two are ever identical. Past stories have featured Mandalorians, Argazdans, Hapans, Chiss syndicates, Hutt cartels, external invasions, criminal empires, and unexpected internal threats.
We strive to craft malleable, unpredictable narratives where player choices rewrite the script. A planned galactic superpower might collapse early or fracture entirely because of clever player involvement!
Who Drives the Story?
The narrative is shaped by a blend of Immortal planning and active player participation. While staff set the initial stage for an era, players truly live out the history. Story arcs shift organically based on the decisions made by influential organizations and characters. In LOTJ, even a newcomer can alter the fate of the galaxy with the right strategy.
Timeline Length and Character Wipes
Eras typically last between 6 to 9 months, putting a full timeline at roughly two years. This gives you plenty of time to build a legacy and leave your mark.
Characters are never wiped mid-era; they persist until a complete timeline change occurs. However, staff occasionally clear inactive player shops, message boards, and player homes between eras to keep the galaxy clean and prevent clutter from abandoned assets.
Finding the Current Era
Check the login Message of the Day (MOTD) for the current era and a recap of recent events.
Catching Up on History
Review major historical events of the current timeline through the in-game news archives.
End of Era & Timeline Events
Transitions are marked by massive End of Era (EoE) and End of Timeline (EoT) events—large-scale RP battles and milestones that your character can directly experience.
Staff announce these transitions via CHANGES updates, opening applications for new characters, factions, and leadership positions so the community can guide the galaxy into its next chapter.